‘Earlier regimes did nothing except lip services’
Nishikant Khajuria
HIRANAGAR, Mar 15: Alleging that earlier regimes ignored concerns of border area residents, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh today said that Modi Government ensured not only safety of these victims of frequent cross- border firing, but also provided them equitable development and a level playing field for their wards.
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“Modi Government’s befitting response to unprovoked firing from the other side forced the neighbouring country for a ceasefire resulting into a sigh of relief for our border residents, who were also provided sophisticated bunkers in case of any emergency,” he said, while addressing a gathering of locals, here today, in connection with rechristening of Girls High School Hiranagar after the name of Shaheed Nayak Vakil Singh.
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Besides ensuring safety of border residents, Dr Jitendra Singh said, Modi Government established road network upto zero line and provided internet connectivity to these people.
“In addition to the connectivity, four percent reservation in Government jobs and professional courses for wards of border inhabitants has provided a level playing field to these inhabitants and all this happened for the first time since independence,” he said.
The Union Minister alleged that earlier Governments always ignored the genuine concerns of the border area people and did nothing for their safety as well as welfare, except providing them lip service.
“Whenever there was firing from across the border, our people had to flee for shelters in nearby school buildings or temporary accommodations with no facilities while their wards used to remain without studies for months together,” he said.
Paying tribute to the CRPF Jawan, Nayak Vakil Singh, who lost his life in the line of duty, Dr Jitendra Singh said that again it was only Prime Minister Narendra Modi who started the tradition of honouring “unsung” national heroes and according them long overdue recognition. PM Modi’s dedication to honour national heroes has ensured that the contributions of individuals like Nayak Vakil Singh are never forgotten, he added.
“It is a big day for remembrance and inspiration and I am proud that this tribute is being realized now, after 41 years,” he said, while speaking about recognition of Nayak Vakil Singh.
The Minister emphasized the importance of memorials as symbols that immortalize the contributions of great individuals to the nation.
Nayak Vakil Singh had lost his life on June 28, 1984, when he was part of a convoy attacked by terrorists in Agartala. Despite being gravely injured, he fought back valiantly but later succumbed to his injuries.
Maintaining that Nayak Vakil Singh’s courage continues to inspire all, the Minister reflected on the significance of renaming the school in Hiranagar in honour of the martyr. He stated that this gesture would not only serve as a tribute to the soldier’s immense sacrifice but would also inspire future generations to uphold the values of patriotism, dedication and selflessness.
During the event, Manjit Singh, the son of Nayak Vakil Singh, thanked the Government and Dr Jitendra Singh for ensuring that his father’s name would be immortalized through the naming of the school. The occasion was also attended by the representatives from the Group Centre CRPF, Hiranagar.
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